Instead, the Rimington Trophy winner sees a challenge unlike any other that has showed up on Florida State's schedule this season.

"This is the best defense we've played," Stork said.

Auburn is giving up 423.5 yards per game, the highest per-game figure in school history, and ranks 87th in the country in total defense.

On the flip side of the coin, the Tigers rank seventh in the country in red-zone defense, 22nd in third-down conversion defense and 38th in scoring defense.

Stork says those numbers should come as no surprise to those who've watched Auburn closely.

"The stats say they're very average, but I beg to differ," Stork said. "I've seen the film. Yeah, they give up some here and there, but like I said, anybody can beat anybody on any given day. They're not to be taken lightly."

Asked to compare Ellis Johnson's scheme to one of the other teams he's played in a long and illustrious career, Stork said the Tigers, particularly in the front four, remind him of Virginia Tech from a couple of seasons ago.

From the perspective of the Seminoles' skill players, though, Auburn looks similar to several other teams.

"They've got a great group of guys. They've got speed. They've got strength and everything," wide receiver Kenny Shaw said. "You just see a lot of zone coverages. Nothing that we haven't seen this year."

"I think they do a lot of great things, again, with a lot of guys confused, offensive linemen, by getting guys to mess up on their points and stuff and getting free hitters in the box," running back Devonta Freeman said. "I think they're great tacklers, and I think they're a great, solid defense."